In Attachment Theory, which attachment style is considered secure?

• A. Anxious-preoccupied
• B. Secure
• C. Dismissive-avoidant
• D. Fearful-avoidant

Answer: (B)

Secure attachment is marked by a positive view of self and others, comfort with closeness, and the ability to rely on others while maintaining a healthy sense of autonomy. This combination leads to stable relationships, effective emotional regulation, and resilience in the face of stress. That’s why the secure pattern is considered the secure one: it reflects comfort with interdependence and balance between dependence and independence.

The other patterns reflect different challenges: anxious-preoccupied individuals tend to fear abandonment and seek constant reassurance; dismissive-avoidant individuals downplay closeness and prioritize independence, often withholding warmth; fearful-avoidant individuals want closeness but also fear it, producing mixed, inconsistent behavior. These dynamics illustrate why they are not the secure attachment style.